Coal Mine

The worst mine disaster in 40 years occurred on April 5, 2010, when 29 miners lost their lives at Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine. Shortly after the tragedy, West Virginia’s governor appointed an independent investigation panel which included AFSC staffer Beth Spence. She served in a similar capacity in 2006 following the Sago mine collapse and brought her experience and journalistic skills to the new report issued on May 19, 2011.

Carrying enlarged photographs of their lost loved ones, family members of three of the 29 miners killed in the 2010 explosion at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine spent June 6-7 in Washington, D.C., pleading with lawmakers to take action to improve mine safety and to stiffen penalties for mining companies that knowingly, willingly, and recklessly place miners’ lives at risk.

On December 6, US Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that the federal government and Alpha Natural Resources have reached a settlement in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster, including $210 million in fines and required safety improvements.

The American Friends Service Committee/SERO and Paul Hays of Appalshop Film and Video (Appalshop.org) present 2 documentaries.

Fightin For A Breath - A documentary about "Black Lung". Caused by poor safety standards and lack of safety equipment this fim examines the history of the movement to compensate for black lung and airs archival footage of the United Mine Workers of America organizing against Black Lung. Footage also includes "Black Lung" victims being treated ar a "Black Lung" Clinic. Aired on Kentucky Public Television in the 2000s.

The MARStar newsletter is published by the Middle Atlantic Region of the American Friends Service Committee. This issue explores conversations about race that staff members are having throughout the region. It also includes a letter from our new Interim Regional Director, Nina Laboy.

The 29 miners killed in the April 5 methane explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine have been laid to rest, but signs of a community in deep mourning are still visible in the coal towns that line West Virginia’s Coal River Valley. Hand-scrawled messages in the windows of homes and businesses urge passers-by to “pray for our miners and their families,” as do billboards in front of churches with names like Amazing Grace and Healing Stream.

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